destruction of this our race has at last come!17–18 Vibhatsu will come to this city, viz., Dwārāvati. Tell him what has occurred, viz., this great carnage of the Vrishnis. I have no doubt that as soon as he will hear of the destruction of the Yadus, that hero of mighty energy will come here without any loss of time.20 Know, O father, that I am Arjuna and Arjuna is myself. That should be done by thee which he would say.21 The son of Pāndu will do what is best for the women and the children. Even he will perform thy funeral rites.22 This city of Dwārāvati, after Arjuna's departure, will, with its walls and edifices, be swallowed up by the ocean without any delay.23 As regards myself, retiring to some sacred place, I shall bide my hour, with the intelligent Rāma in my company, observing strict vows all the while!24—Having said these words unto me, Hrishikeça of inconceivable prowess, leaving me with the children, has gone away to some spot which I do not know.25 Thinking of those two high-souled brothers of thine, as also of the terrible carnage of my kinsmen, I have abstained from all food, and am emaciated with grief!26 I shall neither eat, nor live. By good luck thou meetest me, O son of Pāndu. Do thou accomplish all, O Pārtha, that Krishna has said!27 This kingdom, with all these women, and all the wealth here, is thine now, O son of Prithā! As regards myself, O slayer of foes, I shall cast off my life-breaths dear though they be!'"28
Section VII.
Vaiçampāyana said,—"That scorcher of foes, viz., Vibhatsu, thus addressed by his maternal uncle, replied, with great cheerlessness of heart, unto Vasudeva who was equally cheerless, saying,1—'O uncle, I am unable to look at this Earth when she is reft of that hero of Vrishni's race and those my other kinsmen!2 The king and Bhimasena and Sahadeva and Nakula and Yājnaseni, numbering the sixth, are of the same mind with myself, in this matter.3 The time has come for the departure of the king also. Know this that the hour of
